Wednesday 30 January 2013

In Style - The Hills

My boyfriend gave me his Netflix account (as I don't have telly and coz he's a babe), so I've been watching so many trashy rom coms and reality shows!

My favourite "reality" show has to be The Hills. If you haven't watched it, where have you been!? It follows the life of Lauren Conrad who interns for Teen Vogue in LA. It chronicles the "real" lives of her and her friends as they make their way in the city.
Lauren C
Audrina P

I love the LA style. It's so relaxed, casual and always chic. It's always about looking done but chilled. I've never been able to capture it! I'm much to english eccentric - always cold, with layers and unruly hair.

I love how they can take plain separates but make them look chic by adding an oversized bag, shades and some designer jewellery.

When the weather gets warmer I'm determined to try harder at pulling off the LA look look Lauren and Audrina. And here's how:

Monday 28 January 2013

The Everyday Woman


We had a lecture today about fashion in relation to the everyday woman. We explored ideas of why women chose what to wear in the morning and how they get ready.

This got me thinking why I wear what I wear. Today I woke up early to catch the train back to university and just wanted to be super comfy! I wore a leopard print midi dress, black boots and a blue hoodie. 

But if I hadn't been on a train all day I would have totally worn this dress differently. For example, if I was to wear it for an evening at the pub I would pair it with my heeled chelsea boots and a grey chunky cardigan with fur trim.

However, when I thought about it, the most difference would be my makeup. My beauty routine for a night out means I would top up my foundation, blusher and mascara. I would add a flick of eyeliner, a smoky or brown eyeshadow and a lipstick (normally in a rosy pink or coral).  

I would definitely say that I dress for an occasion rather than always in a certain way. When I was younger I wouldn't worry about the weather or what I was doing that day. I would choose an outfit because I liked it and then complain about being cold afterwards.

Nowadays, I buy something because it will go with other things in my wardrobe and be appropriate for lots of occasions. I think this is partly due to growing up, but also because being a student means that I can't justify buying clothes purely because it's cute. 

So, readers, why do you wear what you wear?

Saturday 26 January 2013

I < 3 The DJ


So, I came across this tee while searching Forever 21 and I thought, that's true, I do heart the DJ!

My boyfriend is a DnB producer and DJ (check out his soundcloud if your into your jump up: https://soundcloud.com/dj-telekom).

What do you wear with a slogan tee?

Happy 200th Birthday Mr Darcy!


To celebrate 200 years of Pride and Prejudice here's my favourite Darcy moment - which is not actually in the book at all! 


Your welcome dear readers! 

Friday 25 January 2013

The Rise of the Unique Supermodels

Last week the French model and former Olympic swimmer, Casey Legler, was revealed as the face of All Saints Womenswear AND Menswear. She was the first female model to ever be signed to a mens division of a modelling agency. She showcases her androgynous look in All Saint's new ad campaign.


In the same week, South African born model, Refilwe Modiselle, explained how she has finally begun to feel comfortable with her appearance. Modiselle is the only albino model to have walked the runways in South Africa. She told the press that she suffered prejudice for her unusual looks and describes herself as living 'in the skin of a white person.' With white blonde hair, pale skin and blue eyes, the fashion world have been struck by her looks and she has become a sought after model.


It's great to see the fashion world slowly becoming more accepting of unique features and body shapes. Brand's are beginning to break down the barriers of gender stereotyping as well as endorsing the ageing process.

M&S famously hires models that appeal to their wide audience. Twiggy (63), and Yasmina Rossi (56) encouraged women to be proud of their grey hair and wrinkles. It makes a welcome change from being sold anti-aging creams at every corner.

Here's Casey Legler feelings about challenging the way we think about beauty:


'What I wish is that we all get to be exactly who we are. And sometimes that's complicated,' she explains.

'We have very specific ways in which we identify ourselves as man or woman and I think that sometimes those can be limiting ...

'Seeing me on the men's board ... speaks to the notion of freedom, you know.'

[Daily Mail]


Let's hope that soon the fashion industry will tackle their biggest demon - weight. It will be a great day when normal sized models are a regular occurrence at shows, instead of being a one off publicity stunt.


Thursday 24 January 2013

Liebster Award



Thanks for nominating me for Liebster Award Megan! http://somethingtosay-fashion.blogspot.co.uk
What is the Liebster Award?
The Liebster Award is given to new bloggers with less than 200 followers and therefore helps promote and support those bloggers nominated.
The Rules:
-Nominees must link back to the blogger who awarded them.
-If nominated, write '11 Random Facts' about yourself!
-Answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you wrote for you.
-Come up with 11 new questions to be answered by 11 new nominees.

Random Facts:
1.I am obsessed with the Gilmore Girls.
2.I own more handbags than shoes. 
3.I drink Diet Coke everyday.
4.My favourite book is The Lost Art Of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice.
5.My first job was working in a farm shop packing peanuts, for peanuts!
6.I have appalling eyesight.
7.I love countryside pubs.
8.I have a Springer Spaniel whose called Perro, it means dog in Spanish. My dad was taking Spanish lessons at the time!
9.My dream car is a Mini Cooper.
10.The best holiday I've been on was travelling around Florida.
11.I have a huge collection of Vogues and Elles that date six years back.

Here's the questions Megan Set:
1. What's you favourite item of clothing?
My grey, fur lined cardigan from Topshop that I've had for about three years now. 
2. Why did you start your blog?
I wanted to improve my writing, express my opinions and have a place to put my work!
3. What would you like to achieve in your career?
I'm hoping to become an event manager and freelance writer. One day I would like to open my own vintage store and tearoom.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I have no idea. Hopefully working as an event manager or owning my own business.  
5. What is your favourite shop?
When my friend owned a vintage shop, that was my favourite. But now I probably shop most in Topshop. 
6. List 5 beauty products you couldn't live without?
Mascara, Foundation, Blusher, Cleansing Wipes and Eyebrow Pencil. 
7. What is your favourite season for fashion?
Spring, without a doubt. It's new, fresh and exciting. A new year and the hope of summer. 
8. If you could be any animal what would you be?
An Owl!
9. If you were given £2,000 where would you spend it and on what?
I would take me and my boyfriend on holiday somewhere hot! And just have a luxury holiday with plenty of shopping! 
10. Most visited website?
Facebook, I'm addicted I'm ashamed to say!
11. Pizza or Pasta?
Ooooh! That is hard to decide! I'm a carb fanatic so both! 

My nominations:
http://bowbentley.blogspot.co.uk
http://nataliasowls.blogspot.co.uk
http://secretsofafashiongirl.blogspot.co.uk
http://todaykaylaiswearing.blogspot.co.uk

Questions for my nominees:
1.How did you come up with your blog name?
2.What's your favourite restaurant or cafe?
3.How many shoes do you own? Honestly!
4.How long does it take to get up in the morning?
5.Who, in your opinion, is the best dressed celebrity?
6.What is your dream job?
7.Where would you like to live?
8.What's your favourite memory?
9.Are you still friends with your BFF from Primary School?
10.What do you do to relax?
11.What did you last watch?


Gee's Opinions on NTA Style - 2013

Last night was the biggest night in the TV year, The National Television Awards. I haven't watched it yet, so don't spoil it for me! But of course, I had to check out the outfits! So here's the good vs the very, very ugly! 

Bang Tidy
Brooke Vincent off of Corrie
She looks A-Mazing! The long gown elongates her legs and the strapless top emphasises her petite bust. The hair swish and pout makes her look confident, which equals sexy! This is my favourite look of the night!
Caroline Flack
Now, I have to say, Caroline Flack does irritate me (it could be something to do with dating THE Harry Styles), but she looks fab here! The V-neck emphasises her actually quite big bust (who knew) and the colour looks great on her. Loving the glossy hair!
Holly Willoughby 
Holly is always gorgeous and this fitted number is perfect. A great piece of detailing on the shoulder and the fish tail brings it up to date. 
Nicole Scherzinger
This outfit has lots of fabric but is still super sexy! I'm in love with those shoes, but not so sure about the 70's gold medallion! 
Tess Daly
 The lady in red looks stunning in this skin tight number. I wish I had her legs! 
Mary Berry
This dress is gorgeous, I would love to wear this. Mary has got the Dame Helen Mirren look down. The sleeves cover the arms and the shiny blue fabric of the skirt is slimming. 

Bang Untidy
Tulisa 
Tulisa had been wearing some great outfits recent, however I'm not a fan of white dresses with bling on the shoulder. Not to be rude but the fabric looks a bit cheap, and you can see her Spanx. Not a great red carpet look, great boobs though!
Kimberly Walsh
No, no, no, Kimberly! There are too many different angles going on here and the shoulders make her look a bit hefty. Kimberly has a fabulous figure and if the sleeves were cut off this thing, the dress would be great. The colour is beautiful! The shoes cut her at the ankles and make her legs look at lot shorter than they are. 
Helen Flanagan 
For such a good looking girl, this dress is dull! The square neckline does nothing for her figure, the nude bag and shoes are boring and the ears are just plain weird! 

Bang Unsure - I'm undecided if these outfits are hot or not! What do you think?
Michelle Keegan
I just don't know! Her body is banging, her pose fierce but white snakeskin dress? Maybe if the fabric was a plain colour, the halterneck looks fab.
Lucy from TOWIE
She looks like she's appearing on Strictly, but there are things I like. The detail around the neck and fish tail hem. However, I think there's way too much glitter. Love the new bob. 














Tuesday 22 January 2013

Pretty Paper Nails

Last week I bought these fantastically pretty nail wraps from Paperchase for only £4. I was warned by my flatmate that they take ages to apply so I thought I'd wait for a rainy day, or a snowy one!

How to apply:
1. Paint your nails with a clear base coat.
2. If your nails are small, like mine (I have the hands of a small toddler), you may need to cut the wraps to the size of your nails.
3. Gently press the wrap onto your finger, smoothing out any bumps or air bubbles.
4. Hold the wrap down for about 30 seconds and if it seems not to be sticking, heat up the nail by holding a hairdryer over it for another few seconds.
5. Finish with a top coat of clear varnish.

It did take me a good portion of the evening to perfect the application, but the overall effect looks gorgeous.
They've now been on my nails for four days and have stayed on much better than I expected with some chipping at the tips and only one peeling half way off. These are definitely something for a special event as they do take ages!
The only strange thing was that they give you twelve nail wraps per sheet...I'm assuming it's in case you make mistakes and not because I'm missing a finger from each hand!




What do you think about nail wraps and do you recommend any other nail art I should try?

Friday 18 January 2013

Product Review: Garnier Hand Cream

Product Review: Garnier Hand Cream - Intensive 7 Days in Soothing Honey

My hands get really, really, super, crazily dry. Especially in this cold weather!! I always have loads of different hand creams in my handbag and scattered around the house. I saw this one on offer in boots for £1.99 (think it's normally about £3 something), so thought I'd give it a try.
There were a few different versions of this Intensive 7 day cream. The one above (sorry for the poor photo!), a Protecting lotion made with Aloe Vera, an SOS Repairing cream with Shea Butter and a Nourishing potion with the Mango Oil.

Texture: The cream is really smooth and soft. You only need a small dab (I'd recommend a penny size) to cover both hands. Sometimes with hand creams you feel like you need lots of the lotion to moisturise your hands throughly, but this is not the case with Garnier. It does take a while to soak in and is a tad sticky but not as sticky as some intensive creams I've tried.

Smell: It smells refreshing and the honey fragrance is far from over powering.

Overall: This cream is meant to work over 7 days, but I've only been using it since tuesday and I've already seen a massive difference. My hands are much softer and my hands haven't been as sore or itchy! I'm hoping it will keep my eczema at bay through this snow storm!

Thursday 17 January 2013

Paul & Joe Lipstick

Aww, Paul & Joe make-up. My new found love!
Yesterday, my friend and I visited Winchester. I'd never been before even though I've lived 20mins away for the last year and half! We went down the charming high street first of all, checking out some shops as we went. Obviously I had to go to Jack Wills to see how their shop compares to our little one in Southwold (the Winchester one is huuuge!). We then went to the Cath Kidson store in which I could have bought SO many things! When I have my own house it will be a live in Cath Kidson shop!
We also checked out the Cathedral which was really beautiful. It's where Jane Austen was buried so it was nice to visit the resting place of one of my writing heroes.

On our way back to get something to eat, we stumbled across an amazing shop called The Hambledon. They have cute vintage inspired homewares, clothing, beauty products, books and gifts. Here I found a gorgeous beauty brand called Paul & Joe. Their packaging is so sweet! I love the carousel horse on the boxes. I'm always looking for nude lipsticks to subtly enhance my natural lip colour and when I found this one (no. 078) it was a perfect rose colour with a hint of coral, and so soft on the lips!

The lipstick refill was £12.50 and the case was £6. There were three cases to choose from, I went for the green cat pattern but I also loved the red elephant one (their trunks were holding hands!). Paul & Joe products are expensive but the detailing on the them is stunning - my lipstick has a carousel horse carved into the colour. You can buy them on ASOS and students can use their NUS discount.



http://www.thehambledon.com

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Purchases of the Week!

This week I'm getting back into uni life. I took my termly trip to Paperchase to get three new notebooks. Whilst there I found the cutest nail wraps! Who knew Paperchase did nail accessories! I'll post a photo once I've applied them.
The maxi dress is from New Look. It's my first maxi dress and fits to the body with short sleeves. It finishes just above the ankle so I'll be wearing them with sandals in the summer and I'm going to try them with ankle boots while it's still freezing! I always assumed that a maxi dress would emphasise how short I am, but as this one is bodycon, it doesn't make me look as short as I thought it might!
Revlon Colourburst Lip Butters are my favourite affordable lipsticks at the moment. They smell great (kind of like Cocoa Butter) and really nourish your lips. I've been looking for a nude tone and this one just adds a nice sheen.
I also bought some lovely smelling Garnier hand-cream that soothes the skin as well as keeps it moisturised.

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Feeling a bit Flat


Anyone who knows me will tell you that I pretty much live in flat shoes. It has to be a special occasion for me to switch to some killer heels. However, while flicking through this months InStyle magazine, I came across an article about the brilliance of flat shoes. Of course, I agree! But look at the monstrous images they put with it! These are NOT the sort of shoes I would recommend for the spring season. 

Those Chloe pumps look like your feet have been strapped up and the Miu Miu Sandals have collected some sweet wrappers off the pavements! I like a Brogue, yes, but that one by Rocha has a mini heel that's a step too far. And those sandals with fluff for padding, just no! The Phillip Lim sheer pop socks are a very on trend look for next season, but I just can't get the image of old ladies ankles poking out from under their trousers…oh dear. 
If you're searching for some comfy, but gorgeous, flat shoes for those frosty Spring mornings, here's a few from the high street. 
£32 Topshop. My favourites! The gold will brighten up any grey morning!
£55 Urban Outfitters. These will take you from work to the pub.
£58 Office. Perfect for a smart casual look. To wear with cigarette pants - THE trousers for this season. 
£24.99 New Look. For the fashionistas who are keeping up with the brothel creeper trend - heres a denim blue pair (lets hope the sky turns the same colour!).




Monday 14 January 2013

90's Kid

Nothing says the 90's like a crop top! And this one has my year of birth on it! Statement jumper - £30 - Topshop! Get involved with bringing back the 90's high school trend with this little number! Wear with high waist leggings or a long vest top and skater skirt to create a layered look!

Sunday 13 January 2013

Brighton Shopping

While we were in Brighton to see the Biba Exhibition, we had to do a spot of shopping (we can't not being fashion students!).
We didn't have much time, but we headed down a few of the lanes and scuttled through some little alleyways. We found so many cute boutiques and cafes (all pretty expensive). We went into Beyond Retro, a vintage shop full of 80s knits and quirky taxidermy as decoration.
Loving this multicoloured bag!


Saturday 12 January 2013

Brighton Biba Exhibition

First week back at University after the Christmas holidays. Always a gloomy time; the weathers bleak, lectures talking about the new workload and Easter feels like a million miles away. Luckily, for our course, our lecturers arranged a trip to Brighton to see the Biba Exhibition.
Barbara Hulanicki began Biba as a postal order company in the early 1960's. It was affordable with young looking designs. Her illustrations became iconic for the brand as it moved from mail order into it's first store in Kensington.
In just ten years they had moved to their forth and largest store. Christened "Big Biba" it was a seven story department store which housed a cinema, beauty salon and home-wares. Biba created a lifestyle for the fashion forward young woman on limited budgets. Hulanicki created styles based upon art deco and hollywood glamour.
Here's some photos from the exhibition:

 I especially love all of the illustrations that Barbara has created both past and present. The details are amazing, the long limbs and large eyes epitomising the 1960s. My Grandma used to draw fashion illustrations similar to Hulanicki's. Her's are also in pen and are so precise and beautiful. She did have a place at Central St Martins but unfortunately, due to the war, she was never able to take up her place. Hopefully one day I'll scan them in to put on my blog.